Nestled in Northern Greece, Kavala is a beautiful coastal city that often escapes the radar of travellers. Located about 150 km east of Thessaloniki (around a 2-hour drive), Kavala blends history, seaside charm, and delicious food. With a population of roughly 70,000 people, it’s vibrant yet relaxed, offering an ideal mix of city life and holiday escape.
If you’re looking for somewhere different for your next Greek adventure, here are 10 highlights to explore in Kavala:
1. The Old Town (Panagia, Ī Ī±Ī½Ī±Ī³ĪÆĪ±)
Wander through cobbled streets, colourful houses, and admire the impressive Imaret building overlooking the sea.
2. Kavala Castle (ĪĪ¬ĻĻĻĪæ)
Perched above the Old Town, this medieval fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Aegean Sea.
3. The Aqueduct (Kamares, ĪĪ±Ī¼Ī¬ĻĪµĻ)
An iconic 16th-century aqueduct, beautifully preserved and stretching through the heart of the city.
4. Museums (ĪĪæĻ ĻĪµĪÆĪ±)
With a good selection of Museums (Archaeological Museum, Museum of Greek Refugees, Tobacco Museum, Naval Museum, Museum of Fairy Tales) to discover, you will be amazed by the history, innovation and new thinking of locals.
5. Philippi Ancient Site (ĪĻĻĪ±Ī¹ĪæĪ»ĪæĪ³Ī¹ĪŗĻĻ Ī§ĻĻĪæĻ Ī¦Ī¹Ī»ĪÆĻĻĻĪ½)
Just 15 km away, visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a Roman forum, ancient theatre, and early Christian basilicas.
6. Kavala Port & Waterfront (ĪĪ¹Ī¼Ī¬Ī½Ī¹ ĪŗĪ±Ī¹ ĻĪ±ĻĪ±Ī»Ī¹Ī±ĪŗĪ®)
Perfect for a seaside stroll, with cafeterias, tavernas, and colourful fishing boats bobbing on the water.
7. Tobacco Museum (ĪĪæĻ ĻĪµĪÆĪæ ĪĪ±ĻĪ½ĪæĻ)
Learn about Kavala’s fascinating history as a major centre of the tobacco trade in the 19th and 20th centuries.
8. Baptistry of Saint Lydia (ĪĪ±ĻĻĪ¹ĻĻĪ®ĻĪ¹Īæ ĪĪ³ĪÆĪ±Ļ ĪĻ Ī“ĪÆĪ±Ļ)
Close to Philippi, this peaceful riverside site is where the first European Christian baptism took place.
9. Beaches of Kavala (Ī Ī±ĻĪ±Ī»ĪÆĪµĻ)
Batis, Rapsani, Kalamitsa, Karaorman offer crystal-clear waters ideal for a refreshing dip after sightseeing.
10. Try the Local Delicacies
Don’t miss fresh seafood, kourabiedes (almond biscuits, ĪŗĪæĻ ĻĪ±Ī¼ĻĪ¹ĪĪ“ĪµĻ), and a taste of the city’s Eastern-influenced cuisine.
Kavala is a city where history meets the sea, offering visitors something truly special without the crowds of more famous destinations. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or just after beautiful beaches, Kavala has it all.
Why not add Kavala to your Greek travel list this year?
Photo credit: Panagia Peninsula Photo by Giannis Giannelos, Source: Visit Kavala website
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